Access to Destinations: How Close Is Close Enough? Estimating Accurate Distance Decay Functions for Multiple Modes and Different Purposes

Abstract

Existing urban and suburban development patterns and the subsequent automobile dependence are
\nleading to increased traffic congestion and air pollution. In response to the growing ills caused by urban
\nsprawl, there has been an increased interest in creating more “livable” communities in which
\ndestinations are brought closer to ones home or workplace (that is, achieving travel needs through land
\nuse planning). While several reports suggest best practices for integrated land use-planning, little
\nresearch has focused on examining detailed relationships between actual travel behavior and mean
\ndistance to various services. For example, how far will pedestrians travel to access different types of
\ndestinations? How to know if the “one quarter mile assumption” that is often bantered about is reliable?
\nHow far will bicyclists travel to cycle on a bicycle only facility? How far do people drive for their
\ncommon retail needs?
\nTo examine these questions, this research makes use of available travel survey data for the Twin Cities
\nregion. A primary outcome of this research is to examine different types of destinations and accurately
\nand robustly estimate distance decay models for auto and non-auto travel modes, and also to comment
\non its applicability for: (a) different types of travel, and (b) development of accessibility measures that
\nincorporate this information.